West Union Covered Bridge

The West Union Covered Bridge, the third bridge to occupy this crossing following the earlier Star Mill and Harrison bridges, was built in 1876 by J.J. Daniels at a reported cost of over sixteen thousand dollars, spanning Sugar Creek north of the once-thriving village of West Union. Its two-span, 315-foot double Burr Arch Truss structure is considered one of the finest surviving examples of the Burr truss design in the country and carries more water beneath it than any other remaining covered bridge in Parke County. In its heyday it carried stagecoach traffic along the old Fort Wayne-to-Terre Haute state road. Flood damage to its abutments in 1913 required significant repairs, and a new south approach was built in 1931. The bridge was bypassed for vehicle traffic in 1964 by a modern replacement span, ending its era as a working roadway but preserving it as a historic and recreational landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 1978, and in a rare distinction among Parke County's bridges, was further designated a National Historic Landmark in 2016 in recognition of its architectural significance and excellent state of preservation. Today it remains one of the county's premier attractions for covered-bridge enthusiasts and photographers.